Secret Weapons to Fight Cellulite

If you have cellulite – those lumpy, bumpy, dimply areas of skin that often resemble cottage cheese or orange rinds – you’re not alone. Nearly 9 out of 10 women have some degree of cellulite on their thighs, buttocks, bellies and arms. Today, women spend upwards of  $12 million a year on anti-cellulite treatments ranging from fancy creams to risky surgery. With so many products and procedures out there, it’s downright dizzying to try and figure out what really works.

What exactly is cellulite? Cellulite occurs when pockets of fat push up against connective tissue underneath the skin. Hormones, lack of exercise, and diet all contribute to the formation of cellulite. This bane of many women’s existence is seen much less frequently in men. That’s because female skin tissue is thinner and less porous; therefore, when fat cells push up, they’re more noticeable.

While there is no known cure to completely banish cellulite, there are ways to help minimize its appearance, so you can don your bathing suit and head to the beach with confidence.

Secret Weapons to Fight Cellulite

Cellulite and Diet

Avoid Too Much Salt and Sugar

By eating a healthy diet, you can help reduce cellulite. First, avoid too much sugar, which gets stored in fat cells and causes them to expand. Second, limit salt intake, since sodium causes fluid retention, making cellulite appear even worse. Consume no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar each day, and stay away from foods containing more than 200 mg of sodium.